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College Closures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004

Wednesday, 27 October 2004

Ceisteanna (37)

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

138 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there was so little consultation with the management of a college (details supplied) on the future of that establishment. [26144/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that this issue arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college.

Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant, a former senior official of my Department, would be appointed who would meet with relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future. As part of this process, the consultant met with the trustees of the college, its management, staff and students. In essence, there was full consultation with all parties with an interest in the college in regard to its future options.

The consultant's report, which was completed in July of 2002, was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my consideration by my predecessor, Deputy Noel Dempsey.

Having carefully considered all of these options and having taken into account other factors such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, the then Minister, Deputy Dempsey, decided that these considerations would be best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.

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